The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865

De: Leander Stillwell

Narrado por: Gregg Rizzo

This audiobook was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Public Domain (P)2019 Gregg Rizzo

A Must Read for Students of the American Civil War

I stumbled upon The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, by Leander Stillwell, while reading Wiley’s classic Civil War history, The Life of Billy Yank. Considering that Wiley refers to Stillwell several times, I was certain that I needed to read Stillwell’s book.

Written in 1917 at the age of 74, and apparently at the request of his son, Stillwell provides his recollection of life in the 61st Illinois Infantry Regiment from December 1861 through the duration of the war. Five decades diminishes the best of memories, but Stillwell isn’t relying solely on memory. He kept a diary throughout the war years and refers to it repeatedly in his memoir. In fact, so certain is he of his original note keeping, that he even refutes a few minor dates that are listed in the official unit histories – dealing with troop movements.

Stillwell doesn’t glorify war, but neither is he repulsed by it. His account is stoic and somewhat detached.

Enlisting as a private soldier and advancing through the rank of lieutenant, Stillwell fought at Shiloh, Vicksburg and a number of other engagements. He skillfully captures the fear and excitement of intense infantry battle; the mind-numbing drudgery of camp life and forced marches, and the privations of an enlisted man.

For those who want a better understanding of what life was like for the common blue coat, then I strongly recommend Stillwell’s excellent book.